The Special Collections and University Archives Department at the Richard J. Daley library houses collections of rare books, manuscripts, maps and photographs, with particular strength in the social, political and cultural history of Chicago. The collections at the Library of the Health Sciences-Chicago document Chicago's rich history as a center for the education and practice of the medical arts.

The University Archives is the depository for historical records of the University of Illinois at Chicago. The University Archives also contains selected papers of prominent faculty, alumni, and administrative staff.